Discovering the Best Restaurants in Koreatown New York

Indulge in Authentic Korean Cuisine in the Heart of NYC

Koreatown New York, also known as “K-Town,” is a vibrant neighborhood in Manhattan that never sleeps. Here, you can find endless rows of Korean restaurants, karaoke bars, and shops. Whether you’re a longtime local or a first-time visitor, exploring the best restaurants in Koreatown New York is an unforgettable experience. From sizzling BBQ to spicy stews and heavenly desserts, there’s something for everyone in K-Town. In this article, we’ll guide you through the top restaurants in Koreatown New York that you won’t want to miss.

🍜 Korean BBQ 🍜

When it comes to Korean cuisine, BBQ is a must-try. Korean BBQ is all about grilling different types of meat and veggies on a tabletop grill, and there’s no shortage of options in Koreatown New York. Here are some of our top picks:

Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong

📍 1 E 32nd St, New York, NY 10016

As one of the most popular Korean BBQ spots in K-Town, Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong never fails to impress. The restaurant is known for its high-quality meats and vibrant atmosphere. Be sure to try their signature pork belly and beef skirt.

Miss Korea BBQ

📍 10 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001

Miss Korea BBQ offers a modern twist on traditional Korean BBQ. Here, you can indulge in fusion dishes such as bulgogi sliders and kimchi fried rice. Their star dish is the marinated short ribs, which are juicy and flavorful.

Park’s BBQ

📍 11 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001

At Park’s BBQ, you can expect nothing but the best quality ingredients. Their marinated meats are succulent and grilled to perfection. The restaurant also offers a wide range of side dishes, including kimchi, pickled veggies, and steamed egg.

🍲 Korean Stews 🍲

Another staple of Korean cuisine is stews. Korean stews are hearty and comforting, perfect for cold winter days. Here are some of our favorite Korean stew restaurants in Koreatown New York:

BCD Tofu House

📍 5 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001

BCD Tofu House is famous for its spicy tofu stews, which come in different levels of heat. The stews are served with rice and an array of banchan (side dishes). If you’re feeling adventurous, try the seafood tofu stew, which is loaded with clams, shrimp, and squid.

Jongro BBQ

📍 22 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001

While Jongro BBQ is primarily a Korean BBQ spot, they also offer a mean kimchi stew. The stew is tangy, spicy, and full of umami goodness. It’s the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly day.

Muk Eun Ji

📍 34 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001

Muk Eun Ji is a hidden gem in Koreatown New York. Their specialty is the spicy chicken stew, which is made with tender chicken chunks, potatoes, and carrots. The stew is rich and flavorful, with a kick of heat that will leave you sweating.

🍚 Korean Rice Dishes 🍚

Korean rice dishes are simple yet satisfying. They’re usually served with an array of banchan (side dishes) and topped with a fried egg. Here are some of the best Korean rice restaurants in Koreatown New York:

Mandoo Bar

📍 2 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001

Mandoo Bar is a cozy dumpling spot that also serves delicious bibimbap. Their bibimbap is served in a stone pot, which gives the rice a crispy texture. The dish is topped with a generous amount of vegetables, beef, and an egg.

Manna Korean

📍 10 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001

Manna Korean is a popular lunch spot in Koreatown New York. Their lunch specials include a variety of rice dishes, such as spicy pork bulgogi and tofu bibimbap. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable.

Woorijip

📍 12 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001

Woorijip is a Korean deli that has been around for more than 20 years. They offer a wide range of rice dishes, including kimchi fried rice and spicy pork over rice. The deli is self-serve, so you can pick and choose your own banchan.

🍦 Korean Desserts 🍦

Korean desserts are a delightful way to end your meal. From shaved ice to rice cakes, Korean desserts are unique and flavorful. Here are some of the best Korean dessert spots in Koreatown New York:

Cafe Bene

📍 32 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001

Cafe Bene is a Korean coffeehouse chain that also serves delicious desserts. Their signature dish is the bingsu, which is a Korean shaved ice dessert. The bingsu comes in various flavors, such as green tea and strawberry.

Grace Street

📍 17 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001

Grace Street is a trendy Korean dessert cafe that offers a fusion of Korean and Western desserts. Their specialty is the taiyaki, which is a fish-shaped pastry filled with red bean paste or Nutella. The cafe also serves bubble tea and matcha lattes.

Tous Les Jours

📍 31 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001

Tous Les Jours is a Korean bakery chain that has locations all over the world. They offer a wide range of pastries and cakes, including Korean rice cakes and French macarons. Their green tea croissant is a must-try.

🍻 Korean Bars 🍻

Koreatown New York is not only famous for its food, but also its nightlife. The neighborhood is home to numerous karaoke bars and lounges. Here are some of the best Korean bars in Koreatown New York:

Ktown Beerworks

📍 40 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001

Ktown Beerworks is a craft beer bar that offers a wide range of Korean and American brews. They also serve Korean bar snacks, such as fried chicken and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes). The atmosphere is laid-back and cozy.

Turntable Chicken Jazz

📍 20 W 33rd St, New York, NY 10001

Turntable Chicken Jazz is a Korean fried chicken restaurant that turns into a karaoke lounge at night. The restaurant is known for its crispy and juicy chicken, which pairs well with beer. The karaoke lounge features private rooms and a huge song selection.

The Black Emperor

📍 133-135 W 31st St, New York, NY 10001

The Black Emperor is a Korean speakeasy that offers unique cocktails and a retro vibe. The bar is hidden behind a black curtain, and you need a password to enter. The cocktails are made with Korean ingredients, such as soju and makgeolli.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Koreatown New York?

Koreatown New York, or K-Town for short, is a neighborhood in Manhattan that is home to a large population of Korean Americans. It is located around 32nd Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.

2. What are the best Korean restaurants in Koreatown New York?

Some of the best Korean restaurants in Koreatown New York include Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong, BCD Tofu House, and Mandoo Bar. However, there are many other great restaurants to explore.

3. What should I order at a Korean BBQ restaurant?

At a Korean BBQ restaurant, you should definitely try the pork belly and beef skirt. Other popular meat options include galbi (short ribs) and bulgogi (marinated beef).

4. What is banchan?

Banchan refers to the side dishes that are served with Korean meals. They can include things like kimchi, pickled vegetables, and steamed egg.